What Is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure performed by a doctor (Urologist) in a hospital. A vasectomy is a birth control option for men, where the small tubes in the scrotum (vans deferens) that carry sperm are cut. Once the tubes are cut or blocked, your sperm can’t leave your reproductive organ to make a woman pregnant. Getting a vasectomy procedure is quick, safe, and effective, and you can decide to leave the hospital immediately after getting the procedure done. A vasectomy procedure has two types: the incision method and the non-scalpel or no-cut method.

Now that you know what a vasectomy procedure is, and what it involves, let’s get into answering those popular questions men ask about this birth control option. For this, we spoke to 3 Nigerian men (Chris-40, Alade-40 and Anonymous- 33) about their experiences and thoughts getting a vasectomy procedure done. They shared their triggers, positives and how it all happened.

1. How would you explain a vasectomy procedure to a layman?

Chris: “It is birth control method for men through a minor surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a man’s sperm and permanently prevent pregnancy.”

Alade: “It is a medical procedure to remove a small section of a tube that connects your testicles to your penis, to stop sperm cells being released when you ejaculate.”

Anon: “A vasectomy is a procedure that reduces the risk of a pregnancy from unprotected sex. The tube that carries sperm from the testicles (balls) to the urethra (in the penis) is cut. After undergoing this procedure, a man will orgasm/cum as usual but without any of his sperm in it.”

2. Simple and precise! So, when did you decide you wanted to get a vasectomy procedure done?

Chris: “I’ve always wanted only 2 children and I knew we (my wife and I) would need some sort of birth control. Did some research on the side effects and I decided the best option for us was for me to get “the snip”.”

Alade: “I started thinking about it when my second child was born. My wife and I had always wanted two children and when my younger daughter turned three, I started looking into it seriously and decided to get a vasectomy done.”

Anon: “Once I realized I did not want to have any more children, I made the choice to get a vasectomy. Nothing triggered my decision but having one child I decided it was enough.”

3. As a Nigerian man, what convinced you to go ahead with getting a vasectomy? That is despite the many fears and rumors about it in our society?

Chris: “Most of my friends are non-Nigerians and some older guys had done it and they told me it was no big deal. I tell my cynical friends who are still playing the field that it is the sure fire way to prevent permanent offspring from temporary situations.”

Alade: “A close friend of mine had the procedure without any issues and we were in similar circumstances, so it reinforced that I was on the right path. Also, my outlook on life was shaped strongly by my Dad who encouraged, as far as possible, a clear-minded approach to making decisions, making them based on what suits the nuclear family best, not extended family/societal expectations. And I was living in the UK, where there’s a lot of information available and a well developed and trusted medical system. I had the confidence that things will go as planned (aided by some prayers of course!)”

Anon: “I did a lot of reading about the procedure and asked a lot of questions from the doctor before going ahead with it.”

4. What was the vasectomy procedure like?

Chris: ” I had the non-scalpel method and I was given a local anesthetic so I didn’t feel any pain during the procedure. There was some discomfort as the doctor tried to locate the tubes and the cauterizing part was a bit surprising. The cauterizing smelt faintly like burning smell. The doctor explained that he was applying heat to block the tubes- a bit like soldering iron. I didn’t feel a thing but the slight smell and the nurse explained what was going on”

Alade: “You go to see a family doctor (GP) who discusses with you, asks you whether you really want to do it, or if you’re making a knee-jerk decision after having a baby or something else, and if all goes well refers you to a surgeon. The surgeon then explains what it involves, and an appointment is booked. On the day, take a taxi to the clinic, undress, get the local anesthetic applied and then the surgeon/nurse does the procedure. The procedure takes about half an hour in total, and you get told not to drive, wear tight fitting underwear and to get enough rest.”

Anon: “The procedure lasted for about 20-30 minutes. There was some pain and discomfort but it was not anything I couldn’t chest.”

5. Okay, a straight to the point process. Does getting a vasectomy hurt and what is the healing process like?

Chris: “I was advised by my doctor not to have any alcohol 2 days before and 2 days after as that could affect blood pressure and lead to excessive bleeding. I tried not to move around for the next 2 days also. When I experienced any pain I used paracetamol. A good tip is to have a bag of ice or frozen peas at hand, it reduces the discomfort in the hours after the procedure.”

Alade: “In my case I felt some mild pain but that was because the anesthetic hadn’t kicked in enough. I’ve felt far more pain getting hit by a ball in the balls to give you a sense of the pain level. The healing process requires not wearing tight fitting briefs and avoiding any impact to the area. The dressing comes off after a few days and there’s no visible/noticeable scar at the end. I felt a dull aching pain for a few days afterwards but pain was mostly gone in a week or so.”

Anon: “Mine hurt, I can’t speak for others. I was sore for about two weeks and I had to walk carefully, plus no running or jumping. The pain disappeared over the following weeks. A year+ later, I’m completely fine.”

6. Before getting a vasectomy, what fears or concerns did you have?

Chris: “No major ones. I just hoped there would be no complications that would delay my return to a normal life, sports and other activities.”

Alade: “All medical procedures have a risk of complications, and my main fears were I might suffer from recurring pain in my testicles, and the pain putting me off sex afterwards. After doing some research I felt the risk of these were quite low and they generally got resolved. I was also concerned that my wife wouldn’t be onboard with the decision, and she initially was hesitant. After much discussion and research she reluctantly agreed it was the right thing for us to do.”

Anon: “I was afraid the doctor would make a mistake, touch something he’s not supposed to touch and things would stop functioning how they used to. If that happened, how would I explain myself?”

7. Many men are most concerned about ‘ ejaculation ‘. Does getting a vasectomy stop semen from coming out during ejaculation?

Chris: “Not at all! Zero difference, except for the absence of sperm in the cum (semen) that produces babies. An active sex life without worrying about more children in this economy is better.”

Alade: “It had no effect whatsoever. The semen is produced by the prostate and that isn’t affected by the procedure at all – the only thing is the sperm (army) cells aren’t deployed into the semen as used to happen before.”

Anon: “No there is no difference at all to any sexual experience.”

8. Has getting a vasectomy reduced your sex drive or had any effects on your sex life?

Chris: “Not at all! It has had no effect on my sex drive or sex life.”

Alade: “Getting a vasectomy has not reduced my sex drive, instead I’d say I feel quite liberated to have sex now without having to worry about the risk of a pregnancy. Sex is now fully a recreational activity for me now, and though work and life still get in the way of having as much as I’d like, I’m enjoying the freedom.”

Anon: “No, I haven’t experienced any difference in my sex life.”

9. Have you had any regrets about getting a vasectomy so far?

Chris: “None at all! I highly recommend a vasectomy as it is the most effective at 98% with the least side effects and disruption to general life. Only go ahead as a man if you’re sure you no longer want to have children.”

Alade: “None whatsoever. I think it’s one of the best adult decisions I’ve made. I initially worried that I might later think I wanted more children, but I haven’t. I think that’s because I didn’t rush into it and considered it sufficiently before going ahead. Men interested in a vasectomy should research, to find out as much as possible and try to get information about people’s real-life experiences.”

Anon: “I’ve had zero regrets so far.”

10. Okay, one more question. Where did you get your vasectomy procedure done and how much did it cost you in total?

Chris: “I was referred by my GP (General Practitioner) in the UK (United Kingdom) after an initial interview and the cost was covered by the NHS. Private procedures in the UK cost between £300 – £650 depending on location.”

Alade: “I had it done in the UK (United Kingdom), where I reside, so it was free on the health service.”

Anon: “I went to Marie Stopes clinic in Abuja, Nigeria. In total it cost me about N50,000 (fifty thousand naira).

Getting a vasectomy is not as complicated as it is thought to be in Nigeria. The conversation about birth control options doesn’t stop at the desks of women alone, as a man (father or husband) you can choose this safe procedure. We have Urologists on the DRO Health app that can give you a medical perspective and follow-up. Download our app and book a consultation in 30 minutes with #1,500 today.

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Choosing a suitable birth control method can be difficult, but it works best if you understand your body to know what works best for you. If you are sexually active and want to prevent getting pregnant, you must consider the available birth control options.

The most important thing to note is that birth control options only help to prevent pregnancies; they do not prevent STDs and are mostly 99.9% safe.

What Is a Birth Control?

Birth control or contraceptive is a method, medicine or device used to prevent pregnancy. There are different types of birth control options, and you can decide to learn which one works best for you. If you’re sexually active, the best advice would be to use a birth control once you start having sex. This helps prevent unwanted pregnancy when you have unprotected sex with your partner.

The best type of birth control to use depends on your medical history, your desire to have a child, and your need to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What Are The Best Types of Birth Control Options?

You can choose your preferred birth control type from a wide range of options. Some birth control options are long-acting while some others are short-acting. There are also some birth control options called barrier method like emergency pills and condoms. The best birth control options widely available in Nigeria are:

Abstinence

Almost all birth control options are 99.9% trusted, abstinence method is an option that is 100% safe, trusted and guaranteed. Abstinence is also the best way to get secured against sexually transmitted diseases. The decision to have sex is one you should take for yourself as an adult. You have total control over your body, and you should never allow anyone pressure you into having sex when you’re not ready. Sexual intercourse is best enjoyed when it is consensual and you are ready.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device inserted into a woman’s uterus or womb. After a thorough pelvic examination, the IUD is inserted into the uterus through the cervix by a medical expert. They are safe to remove, easy to insert and 99.9% reliable. The two types of IUDs are:

An IUD made of copper

A copper IUD can last up to 10 years. It can also serve as an emergency contraceptive if it is inserted into a woman’s womb 5 days after having unprotected sex. The most common brand of an IUD copper is ParaGard. The copper prevents the sperm from getting to the uterus, where the egg is thereby preventing fertilization. However, copper IUDs maybe painful and can cause painful menstrual periods in some women.

An IUD made of plastic

Plastic IUDs are made of polyethylene. Plastic IUDs can stay implanted in a woman’s uterus for 3-10 years while still working effectively. The T-shaped plastic frame is inserted into the uterus where it releases a type of hormone progestine. Kyleena and Mirena are two popular brands that produce plastic IUDs. Kyleena stays 98.5% effective even after 5 years, while Mirena works up to 99% the same years.

Vasectomy or Male Sterilization

A vasectomy is a simple and permanent sterilization process for men. The process is performed in a medical professional’s office (an Urologist). The simple process involves cutting and sealing the vans deferens (the duct that conveys the sperm from the testicle to the urethra. Getting a vasectomy prevents sperm from leaving a man’s testes. However, the process does not stop a man from ejaculating or ‘cumming.’ The whitish fluid after orgasm will still come out, but it won’t contain any sperm.

The vasectomy procedure is usually painless (thanks to anesthesia), and the patient can also be awake during the process. The Urologist makes a small incision in the upper part of the scrotum; the vans deferens are then tied off and cut apart. The small incision is stitched close and the process is over.

Vasectomy is a long-acting birth control option, 99.9% effective and reversible; however it does not protect against STDs.

Condoms

Condoms are birth control options that men and women can use. They are 99.9% safe and can prevent you from contracting some sexually transmitted diseases.

A male condom is worn by carefully rolling it onto a fully erect penis, before sexual intercourse. The condom stops the semen from entering the female’s reproductive organ. Male condoms are made of latex, easy to use, affordable and can only be used once per intercourse.

Female condoms on the other hand can be used several times and are mostly made from non-latex- polyurethane.

Female Sterilization or Tubal Ligation

Tubal Ligation is a surgery to ‘tie’ a woman’s fallopian tubes. This process is long-acting, reversible and prevents the egg’s transport to the uterus. The process also prevents a man’s sperm from getting to the fallopian tube and to the ovary, where fertilization happens.

A Gynecologist performs tubal ligation in a Hospital while the patient is made to sleep from anesthesia. Two minor cuts are made in the abdomen, while a small telescope-like device on a flexible tube (laparoscope) is inserted in. The fallopian tubes are sealed through the laparoscope, and the skin cut is stitched back together.

Tubal Ligation is 100% safe and recommended; however it does not prevent women from contracting STDs.

Progestin Arm Implant

Progestin arm implant is a birth control option where a single rod of hormone is placed under the skin of the upper arm by an expert. This rod is usually the size of a matchstick and it is placed directly under the skin. It is highly recommended for women and can last effectively for up to 3 years.

It is a 99.9% effective procedure and also reversible. The most common side effects of this birth control option are irregular menstrual bleeding and weight gain for some women. An expert can remove the rod anytime the carrier wants it gone. The most common brand of this arm implant is Nexplanon, which has to be placed by a medical expert.

Hormonal Contraception (birth control pills, vaginal rings)

Hormonal contraception are called barrier methods, they are are also short-acting birth control options. They include birth control pills (Postinor or Post pill) , birth control patches or vaginal rings. The birth control pill is taken daily, the vaginal ring is used once in a month, while the patch is changed weekly.

The hormonal contraceptive options are only 99% safe and effective if used properly. However the most common type of hormonal contraceptive in Nigeria are birth control pills. You can order your birth control pills from our online pharmacy once you have our mobile app installed on your phone.

Some side effects of birth control pills are nausea, tender breasts, irregular menstrual periods, severe cramps and headaches.

Deciding to use a birth control option from the ones listed above is a personal choice. You need to decide what you want when it comes to preventing pregnancies, also it is best to consult your Doctor before using a method. You can buy some of the best birth control options from our in-app online pharmacy, by downloading our mobile app. You can also opt to speak to a medical expert concerning conceiving and contraceptives. Remember, that DRO Health cares for you.

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